Welcome to the Consumerist Archives

Thanks for visiting Consumerist.com. As of October 2017, Consumerist is no longer producing new content, but feel free to browse through our archives. Here you can find 12 years worth of articles on everything from how to avoid dodgy scams to writing an effective complaint letter. Check out some of our greatest hits below, explore the categories listed on the left-hand side of the page, or head to CR.org for ratings, reviews, and consumer news.

Back in 1992-93, my senior year of high school, every supermarket and convenience store in the Orlando area seemed packed to the gills with Crystal Pepsi. But almost as quickly as the clear cola appeared on the scene, it had vanished into the ether to join other failed fizzy drinks in the soda afterlife. But some still hold fond memories of Crystal Pepsi’s brief time among mortals and it looks like the product may be due for a return from the grave.

AdAge notes that competitive eater (and Crystal Pepsi fan) Kevin Strahle recently Tweeted that he’d received a letter from Pepsi (on Crystal Pepsi letterhead no less), saying that “We’ve had customers ask us to bring back their favorite products before, but never with your level of enthusiasm and humor.”

The letter concludes by teasing that “We definitely hear you and your followers and we think you’ll be happy with what’s in store… Stay tuned.”

A rep for PepsiCo confirmed to AdAge that the letter was genuine but would only say that “Crystal Pepsi fans are going to be happy with what we have planned,” without providing any actual details on what that plan might be.

However, it’s worth noting that Surge had only been off store shelves for about 12 years when it was brought back (momentarily) from the dead. Also, the drink had been on the market for about six years before being killed off. Compare that to Crystal Pepsi, which has been gone for more than 20 years and never really got past the initial marketing push.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization,Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.